Thursday, January 15, 2009
Earthquake and the aftermath
There was terremoto (big earthquake) here in Costa Rica on January 8th. It registered a 6.2 on the Richter scale. Luckily, it wasn’t in my province, so we didn’t get any of the devastating effects, but we definitely felt it. Being from Arizona, earthquakes a really new phenomenon for me. When this one happened I was sitting in Marta’s kitchen after lunch with Hilbert, but in Santa Rosa it didn’t feel THAT big. We later saw on the news that it has already claimed about 20 lives, and there are people still missing. We are still feeling afterschocks in the 4.0 range. It is on the news all day long, and it can get kind of depressing to watch. The people of the Poas volcano region are definitely in my thoughts and prayers; it is going to be a big task to recuperate in towns where nearly everything was destroyed.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
New Years
New Year
On New Year's Eve, the three of us took a bus back to my village. There, Caty and Nancy got to meet all of my new friends and family, and see in person what I have been writing home about all these months. There was yet another huge family party, and yet more drinking, eating, dancing. All of the boys fell in love with Caty; it was super cute. She and nancy even took a few turns on the dance floor. Nancy and Caty both got along super well with all of my younger host relatives- probably because the kids weren't hing up on the language barrier at all. On New Year's Day, it was rainy. I guess that i couldn't expect the unusually gorgeous weather to hold out forever. When it finally did clear up a bit, us three girls, plus Carita and his nephew, walked up to the dairy where there are also some random animals. We picked some carrots out of a field (luckily owned by Carita's dad) and Caty was her usualy funny self. Nancy was excited to check out the agricultural side of Santa Rosa, and Marta was happy to show her around. I found out a lot of stuff that I didn't know before. On Friday, we went to Hereduia, adn stayed the night at Helen's house. We went out to a great dinner, and went to bed early. Caty and Nancy got in a cab at 4:30 am, and I saw them on their way. I can't even tell you guys how nice it was to have them here to visit over the holidays. And, it was realyl nice to be able to introduce two people that I lvoe so much from my normal life, to the new people that I have grown to love so much here in Costa Rica.
Ithink that the New Year+ my family's visit made eveyone in the village more cognizant of the fact that I am not going to be here forever; I only have 3 moths left. Everyone was getting all sappy on me, and saying how they don't want me to go. It is really nice to feel wanted, and I know what they mean. I really don't like thinking about the day when I have to leave all of this behind. That's exactly why I am encouraging my friends not to talk about it, yet. Three months is a long time, and I plan to take advantage of all of it.
On New Year's Eve, the three of us took a bus back to my village. There, Caty and Nancy got to meet all of my new friends and family, and see in person what I have been writing home about all these months. There was yet another huge family party, and yet more drinking, eating, dancing. All of the boys fell in love with Caty; it was super cute. She and nancy even took a few turns on the dance floor. Nancy and Caty both got along super well with all of my younger host relatives- probably because the kids weren't hing up on the language barrier at all. On New Year's Day, it was rainy. I guess that i couldn't expect the unusually gorgeous weather to hold out forever. When it finally did clear up a bit, us three girls, plus Carita and his nephew, walked up to the dairy where there are also some random animals. We picked some carrots out of a field (luckily owned by Carita's dad) and Caty was her usualy funny self. Nancy was excited to check out the agricultural side of Santa Rosa, and Marta was happy to show her around. I found out a lot of stuff that I didn't know before. On Friday, we went to Hereduia, adn stayed the night at Helen's house. We went out to a great dinner, and went to bed early. Caty and Nancy got in a cab at 4:30 am, and I saw them on their way. I can't even tell you guys how nice it was to have them here to visit over the holidays. And, it was realyl nice to be able to introduce two people that I lvoe so much from my normal life, to the new people that I have grown to love so much here in Costa Rica.
Ithink that the New Year+ my family's visit made eveyone in the village more cognizant of the fact that I am not going to be here forever; I only have 3 moths left. Everyone was getting all sappy on me, and saying how they don't want me to go. It is really nice to feel wanted, and I know what they mean. I really don't like thinking about the day when I have to leave all of this behind. That's exactly why I am encouraging my friends not to talk about it, yet. Three months is a long time, and I plan to take advantage of all of it.
More Christmas stuff
I have been super busy. My "Christmas vacation" ended up being busier than my normal time here, but it was super worth it. Here's the run down.
From the river, we went straight to the really neat beach town of Puerto Viejo (on the Carribean Coast). It is very laid back, and this part of Costa Rica has a disntincly different culture from the other parts. We stayed in a pretty hotel outside of town, on a really gorgeous beach (with some really aweful riptides- Caty almost had to save a guy while we were sitting watching the waves). We had soem time to just chill out, lay on the beach, and walk around Puerto Viejo. We rented bicycles, and got to see much more, faster, this way.
We also went ziplining, which is pretty much the coolest way ever to see the rainforest canopy. You go pretty fast, pretty high up, and see weirdo bugs and cool trees. Oh, and there was a sloth at our hotel. No big deal.
Christmas Eve
Christmas is a HUGE deal here in Costa Rica. They started decorating in, like, October, adn it has felt pretty festive ever since. It is even cold here on the mountain, so I didn't feel nearly as homesick for Christmas as I might have expected. On Christmas Eve, the entire family got together at Silvana's house (my "host niece",
but she has a 14 year old). Beforehand, I went to Christmas Eve mass, and it was really pretty. We had a great time eating, drinking, dancing (you know the drill). The only big surprise was that when it turned midnight (so NOW, its officially Christmas) everyone started crying and hugging eachother and wishing everyone a Feliz Navidad. Apparently, they always cry on Christmas: out of happiness and gratitude, but also about the tought stuff from the year before. We then said a prayer. I never cry for Christmas! I try and be happy. However, it was nice to be included in the family's intimate traditions. Another difference: the kids don't wait until the morning to open their presents; EL niño (Jesus)brings the presents and they find them under their beds at midnight. I think my favorite part of the night was when Irina (age 4ish) got a broom and mop and dustpan from el niño, and was trying to help clean up when the party was over at like 1am.
but she has a 14 year old). Beforehand, I went to Christmas Eve mass, and it was really pretty. We had a great time eating, drinking, dancing (you know the drill). The only big surprise was that when it turned midnight (so NOW, its officially Christmas) everyone started crying and hugging eachother and wishing everyone a Feliz Navidad. Apparently, they always cry on Christmas: out of happiness and gratitude, but also about the tought stuff from the year before. We then said a prayer. I never cry for Christmas! I try and be happy. However, it was nice to be included in the family's intimate traditions. Another difference: the kids don't wait until the morning to open their presents; EL niño (Jesus)brings the presents and they find them under their beds at midnight. I think my favorite part of the night was when Irina (age 4ish) got a broom and mop and dustpan from el niño, and was trying to help clean up when the party was over at like 1am.Christmas Day
On the 25th, I vowed that I was only going to eat Tamales- all day. And, I succeeded. however, I am now all Tamaled out for a while. It was a nice, kicked back day.
Caty and Nancy come to visit me!
On December 26th, my sister Caty and our friend/surrogate mother figure came to visit me. I met them at the airport on Friday night, and we just had a week straight of fun. Each day could be a whole page of blog, but since I don't have the time, nor the typing capacity to write that much, I will include as much as I can.
On Saturday, we woke up super early and went white water river rafting on the Pacuare River. It was just beautiful. The weather was great, and we had a super fun boat crew. No one fell out (because we are such skilled oarsmen and women) and we got to see some disgustingly gorgeous nature.
From the river, we went straight to the really neat beach town of Puerto Viejo (on the Carribean Coast). It is very laid back, and this part of Costa Rica has a disntincly different culture from the other parts. We stayed in a pretty hotel outside of town, on a really gorgeous beach (with some really aweful riptides- Caty almost had to save a guy while we were sitting watching the waves). We had soem time to just chill out, lay on the beach, and walk around Puerto Viejo. We rented bicycles, and got to see much more, faster, this way.
We also went ziplining, which is pretty much the coolest way ever to see the rainforest canopy. You go pretty fast, pretty high up, and see weirdo bugs and cool trees. Oh, and there was a sloth at our hotel. No big deal.
On our last full day, we rode our Bike's to another small 
town, called Manzanillo. It was absolutely gorgeous! The bike ride was half of the fun. We swang on some branches tarzan style (Brent, if you are reading this- I finally found some swingable branches!), and just had a really neat time.
town, called Manzanillo. It was absolutely gorgeous! The bike ride was half of the fun. We swang on some branches tarzan style (Brent, if you are reading this- I finally found some swingable branches!), and just had a really neat time. 
Christmas Season
I have been super busy these past few weeks. My Christmas "break" ended up being splendidly hectic. I will put up some photos to go with this narrative ASAP.
Habitat paseo
I went with about 15 Habitat employees on paseo (a little end of the year trip). We went to Aguas Termales, in la F
ortuna. It was volcanic hot springs, and it was really fun. The hot springs were 
gorgeous, and felt great since it was a kind of rainy day. Plus, it was free, so it doesnt' get a shole lit better than that. I got back to Cartago at like 10 pm, exhausted, but it was way worth it.
ortuna. It was volcanic hot springs, and it was really fun. The hot springs were 
gorgeous, and felt great since it was a kind of rainy day. Plus, it was free, so it doesnt' get a shole lit better than that. I got back to Cartago at like 10 pm, exhausted, but it was way worth it. Tamales
in Costa Rica, as in Mexico, it is a Christmas tradition to make ridiculous numbers of tamales. every family makes a bunch, and then they take them to their neighbors and friends and family as Christmas gifts. I was excited to be involved in the process, and am proud to say that actually making 300+ tamales didn't diminish how much I like to eat them. Here, the tamales are different than what I am used to in the Southwest. they are made from Maza, but also have mashed potatoes mixed in (which make them softer). Then, inside there is pork, carrot, green bean, rice, and a little bit of bell pepper. We wrapped them in plantain leaves, and then boiled them iver huge firepits for like 4 hours. On Christmas day I ate nothing but tamales, as a personal challenge (which wasn't that much of a hardship, really). 6th Grade graduation
My 6th graders graduated from elementary school on December 20th, and most will now be going to high school. Some have decided to end their educations at this point, and go work in the fields instead. For a country with a 97% literacy rate, it amazes me how many people don't finish, or even go to, school past the 7th grade. Regardless, it wsa still nice to be able to see them graduate and hand out certificates or completion in my English class. I really hope that I have better prepared them for the English classes that they'll be taking in the colegio.
Relocated Camping Trip
My friends and I had been planning a camping trip on December 20th for like a month, and were really psyched about it. However, a combination of events led us to cancel the trip, or, rather, relocate it to my living room. 1- The weather in Santa Rosa was super cold that week, and no one wanted to freeze to death. 2- A few people had to get up early the next morning for a soccer 
game. C- Saprissa and La Liga were playing in the last game of the national soccer championship, and noone wanted to miss it. So, Carita brought his TV over to my house, we hooked it up, grilled outside and had a barbeque while we watched Saprissa (my team) dominate la Liga 3-0. It was a fun night, and way warmer than we would have been outside.
game. C- Saprissa and La Liga were playing in the last game of the national soccer championship, and noone wanted to miss it. So, Carita brought his TV over to my house, we hooked it up, grilled outside and had a barbeque while we watched Saprissa (my team) dominate la Liga 3-0. It was a fun night, and way warmer than we would have been outside. Monday, December 15, 2008
Nicaragua
We got in from Nicaragua at about 7 pm last night. I had such a good time! Here are some highlights, and pictures:
Nick and I set off from Santa Rosa on the 7:30 bus last Wednesday. We then caught the 12:30 Ticabus to Granada, Nicaragua. Taking a Tica bus is VERY different from taking your run-of-the-mill chicken bus in Central America. They are air conditioned, have a bathroom, and they show movies. So the 8 hour trip turned out to be super comfortable. When we got to the border of Costa Rica and Nicaragua, we went through customs, no problem. In line to get back on the bus, I was chatting with a couple of Israelis, who just finished their obligatory service in the army, and are now traveling for like 6 months, before starting college in the fall. They tell me that most young people (like 70%) travel after the army. In any case, while we were chatting, a border official came and pulled both of them out of our line to be searched again, and questioned more extensively. We figure it is because they had Israeli passports. Anyway, it turned out that the police didn’t have a translator, and the Moshe and Gal didn’t speak Spanish. So, they asked me to translate for them. So, I translated all of the border official’s questions into English (which Moshe and Gal speak perfectly, in addition to Hebrew). Everything turned out fine, and we proceeded on the bus to Nicaragua.
When we arrived in Granada, it turned out that the Israelis were heading to the Bearded Monkey Hostel, and so were we! So, we shared a cab. Nick and I ended up spending the entire trip hanging out with Moshe and Gal, who are super sweet. I was joking with them, saying that I bought their friendship by spotting gal a dollar for the cab, but she says I really bought their friendship at the border.
Our hostel was cute, and had a good atmosphere. It was a huge colonial house, which now serves as dorms and a restaurant. In the center there is a big patio with plants and hammocks. We ate breakfast there every morning, and I had some ridiculously delicious banana pancakes, and free coffee- how much better can life get, right? Pictured at left: Moshe drinking coffee during our hostel breakfast.
was clear, and the house had comfortable hammocks to lounge in, and there were kayaks and a dock to sunbathe on. For lunch, Moshe cooked us some Israeli food. I feel like I learned as much about Israel and that area than I did about Nicaragua and Central America. I can now say at least 5 swear words in Hebrew (who knows why those are always what you pick up first) plus the polite words like “good morning” and “thank you”. In fact, if you are reading this, Moshe and Gal: What up, kalba? Pictures: Nick kayaking; the view from the house's porch at sunset
and they took us right up to the edge of the crater. The smoke and gases were pretty strong, but we could see a little bit of the red glow of the lava. My eyes were burning, and I was coughing something awful- but you only live once, right? To get home, we walked out to the road, and tried to flag down a bus. We managed to find one going to Masaya, and there we walked to another highway to try and catch a ride. Our ride from Masaya 
was… interesting… A mini bus stopped, but was already completely full. However, the driver did some arranging, and managed to stuff us in. The bus is probably meant to hold like 30 people, and I would say that there were at least 50-60. Moshe was the last one on, and he had to ride hanging out of the open doors while we went like 60 on the highway. It was an adventure. When we got home, we ate dinner, and talked to the front desk about how to check out in the am, since Nick and I were going to be leaving super early the next morning. I was glad to learn that there would be someone around to give me back my $3 deposit that I paid on our locker. Before going to bed, we shared a group hug and said goodbye to our new friends.
Well, we made it to the bus staion, and back to Santa Rosa. Oh, yeah, I almost forgot. When we got on the bus, and I finally hada few minutes to distress- I realized that I had woken up with weirdo hives all over my body. I freaking hate how weird my skin gets. They are not “the itchy” that I usually get as an allergic reaction- they are different. I still have them today, but am hoping that if I keep dosing myself with antihistamines, I will stop looking like I have leprosy. Actuyally, I have no idea what leprosy looks like, it is just the disease that I usually compare my skin got. Similarly, whenever I am sick ,I say I have SARS. That’s just how I operate.
Nick and I set off from Santa Rosa on the 7:30 bus last Wednesday. We then caught the 12:30 Ticabus to Granada, Nicaragua. Taking a Tica bus is VERY different from taking your run-of-the-mill chicken bus in Central America. They are air conditioned, have a bathroom, and they show movies. So the 8 hour trip turned out to be super comfortable. When we got to the border of Costa Rica and Nicaragua, we went through customs, no problem. In line to get back on the bus, I was chatting with a couple of Israelis, who just finished their obligatory service in the army, and are now traveling for like 6 months, before starting college in the fall. They tell me that most young people (like 70%) travel after the army. In any case, while we were chatting, a border official came and pulled both of them out of our line to be searched again, and questioned more extensively. We figure it is because they had Israeli passports. Anyway, it turned out that the police didn’t have a translator, and the Moshe and Gal didn’t speak Spanish. So, they asked me to translate for them. So, I translated all of the border official’s questions into English (which Moshe and Gal speak perfectly, in addition to Hebrew). Everything turned out fine, and we proceeded on the bus to Nicaragua.
When we arrived in Granada, it turned out that the Israelis were heading to the Bearded Monkey Hostel, and so were we! So, we shared a cab. Nick and I ended up spending the entire trip hanging out with Moshe and Gal, who are super sweet. I was joking with them, saying that I bought their friendship by spotting gal a dollar for the cab, but she says I really bought their friendship at the border.
Our hostel was cute, and had a good atmosphere. It was a huge colonial house, which now serves as dorms and a restaurant. In the center there is a big patio with plants and hammocks. We ate breakfast there every morning, and I had some ridiculously delicious banana pancakes, and free coffee- how much better can life get, right? Pictured at left: Moshe drinking coffee during our hostel breakfast.On Thursday, the 4 of us walked around the city, and checked out all of the historical sights (see pictures). Granada has a really pretty avenue (Calle La Calzada) running down the center, with restaurants, shops, and houses on bot
h sides, and it ends on the shore of Lake Nicaragua. Despite how idyllic this one street looks, though, there is a lot of poverty in Granada, and Nicaragua in general. Nicaragua is the second poorest country in all of Central America, behind Haiti. There were a lot of street children and people panhandling, and it made me a little sad to see it. There are problems in Costa Rica, especially in the bigger cities, but Nicaragua was definitely a shock. One really funny little boy came up and tickled me when we were eating dinner one night, and asked if I would buy some of his gum; we did.
h sides, and it ends on the shore of Lake Nicaragua. Despite how idyllic this one street looks, though, there is a lot of poverty in Granada, and Nicaragua in general. Nicaragua is the second poorest country in all of Central America, behind Haiti. There were a lot of street children and people panhandling, and it made me a little sad to see it. There are problems in Costa Rica, especially in the bigger cities, but Nicaragua was definitely a shock. One really funny little boy came up and tickled me when we were eating dinner one night, and asked if I would buy some of his gum; we did. On Friday, the America-Israel alliance traveled to the Laguna de Apoyo. It is a really gorgeous crater lake, outside of Granada. Our hostel has a house there, where you can either stay overnight, or just go out for the day. We went out as a day trip, and it was BEAUTIFUL! The sky
was clear, and the house had comfortable hammocks to lounge in, and there were kayaks and a dock to sunbathe on. For lunch, Moshe cooked us some Israeli food. I feel like I learned as much about Israel and that area than I did about Nicaragua and Central America. I can now say at least 5 swear words in Hebrew (who knows why those are always what you pick up first) plus the polite words like “good morning” and “thank you”. In fact, if you are reading this, Moshe and Gal: What up, kalba? Pictures: Nick kayaking; the view from the house's porch at sunsetOn Satruday, we all went to the Masaya, which is a less touristy, artesanial community. We walked around the market, and I bought some sweet pants. The, we took a bus to the Masaya volcano. We did the night tour that they offer- and it was totally worth it. We saw the volcano, and crater- which was emitting a ton of smoke, some lava tunnels, a ton of bats in the caves. The last part of the tour, we had to put on gas masks,
and they took us right up to the edge of the crater. The smoke and gases were pretty strong, but we could see a little bit of the red glow of the lava. My eyes were burning, and I was coughing something awful- but you only live once, right? To get home, we walked out to the road, and tried to flag down a bus. We managed to find one going to Masaya, and there we walked to another highway to try and catch a ride. Our ride from Masaya 
was… interesting… A mini bus stopped, but was already completely full. However, the driver did some arranging, and managed to stuff us in. The bus is probably meant to hold like 30 people, and I would say that there were at least 50-60. Moshe was the last one on, and he had to ride hanging out of the open doors while we went like 60 on the highway. It was an adventure. When we got home, we ate dinner, and talked to the front desk about how to check out in the am, since Nick and I were going to be leaving super early the next morning. I was glad to learn that there would be someone around to give me back my $3 deposit that I paid on our locker. Before going to bed, we shared a group hug and said goodbye to our new friends. Nick and I woke up at 5 am to get our stuff together and be at the busstation by like 6:15. However, we had a small hang up. I was trying to open up the locker where our stuff was stored, in complete darkness so as to not wake up the other 8 people sleeping in the room. But when I stuck the key in the lock, it totally came apart. Seriously, the main part fell out into my hand, and some little balls also fell onto the floor. Using my IPOD for light, Nick and I tried to fix it, but it was hopeless. I went and got the nighttime guard for the hostel, and we carried the entire locker into another room (with light- thank goodness). The lock was 100% jodido, so Nick and I walked, in our PJs, to Granada’s fire station (which was luckily right around the corner). They leant us some bolt cutters, and after some skillful wielding by Nick, we got the locker open. The guard was laughing, and told me that I was definitely not getting my deposit back… I told him that I had kind of figured that.
Well, we made it to the bus staion, and back to Santa Rosa. Oh, yeah, I almost forgot. When we got on the bus, and I finally hada few minutes to distress- I realized that I had woken up with weirdo hives all over my body. I freaking hate how weird my skin gets. They are not “the itchy” that I usually get as an allergic reaction- they are different. I still have them today, but am hoping that if I keep dosing myself with antihistamines, I will stop looking like I have leprosy. Actuyally, I have no idea what leprosy looks like, it is just the disease that I usually compare my skin got. Similarly, whenever I am sick ,I say I have SARS. That’s just how I operate.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
December 9, End of the semester stuff
Today was the last day of classes before the Christmas vacation. However, their Christmas vacation is actually their summer vacation, so we don’t go back until February. Everyone finished their finals, and some really surprised me with how well they did. I am definitely gonna miss my 6th graders… even though we had our differences before, we worked it out, and I ended up getting along with them really well. We also made birthday cards for Eric, the old volunteer, and I mailed them. They were super cute, and pretty funny. Here is a picture of what the inside looked like.
Tonight, we had a Christmas party at my house with my adult students. Or, more accurately, the 4 of them who showed up. It was nice though, we had food, and it was neat to sit around and talk (about actually topics, not just the very limited ones that they know how to say in English). I made Guacamole, and it was a hit. Also, I handed out grades and Christmas presents. It was cute. I have put up some Christmas lights and decorations, plus, Patri finished painting my house this weekend, so it was pretty nice to be getting in the Christmas spirit. Pictured below: 1-Patri painting my kitchen; 2-Some of my adult students in class.
On Sunday night, we went to a baile at Los Pinares. I am not sure that I have ever had so much fun. I got to practice my Meringue, Salsa, and Cumbia skills- and I am definitely improving. Also, they played some serious Maná and other Spanish rock, and we just jumped around and had fun. I was exhausted when we got home, but whatevs. I still don’t understand why Sunday nights are such big going out nights here, especially since everyone has to work so early on Mondays, but I digress. We also got together to pick names for a Secret Santa gift exchange among my friends- I am hoping to find a cool present this week when I go to Nicaragua.
Nick and I taught a workshop in the colegio on Monday, on chess (ajedrez). I haven’t played in like, years, but it was fun. We taught them some of the basics, and then practiced in pairs. Funny story- I was playing with one of the other teachers in the colegio- Errol. I took his queen, and he says: “what the fu*k?!” I was laughing so hard, because it was in English. I teased him, and accused him of being the one that teaches my students all the bad words they know in English, because it definitely isn’t me, and they know quite an impressive number.
Tomorrow Nick and I are going to Nicaragua for 4 days. I will blog more on that later, though.
Tonight, we had a Christmas party at my house with my adult students. Or, more accurately, the 4 of them who showed up. It was nice though, we had food, and it was neat to sit around and talk (about actually topics, not just the very limited ones that they know how to say in English). I made Guacamole, and it was a hit. Also, I handed out grades and Christmas presents. It was cute. I have put up some Christmas lights and decorations, plus, Patri finished painting my house this weekend, so it was pretty nice to be getting in the Christmas spirit. Pictured below: 1-Patri painting my kitchen; 2-Some of my adult students in class.
On Sunday night, we went to a baile at Los Pinares. I am not sure that I have ever had so much fun. I got to practice my Meringue, Salsa, and Cumbia skills- and I am definitely improving. Also, they played some serious Maná and other Spanish rock, and we just jumped around and had fun. I was exhausted when we got home, but whatevs. I still don’t understand why Sunday nights are such big going out nights here, especially since everyone has to work so early on Mondays, but I digress. We also got together to pick names for a Secret Santa gift exchange among my friends- I am hoping to find a cool present this week when I go to Nicaragua.
Nick and I taught a workshop in the colegio on Monday, on chess (ajedrez). I haven’t played in like, years, but it was fun. We taught them some of the basics, and then practiced in pairs. Funny story- I was playing with one of the other teachers in the colegio- Errol. I took his queen, and he says: “what the fu*k?!” I was laughing so hard, because it was in English. I teased him, and accused him of being the one that teaches my students all the bad words they know in English, because it definitely isn’t me, and they know quite an impressive number.
Tomorrow Nick and I are going to Nicaragua for 4 days. I will blog more on that later, though.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
El Doble Miedo
Heeeeyyyyyy-
Last night, I met up with my friend Jóse (the tech guy at Habitat) to go to dinner in Barva, where he lives. He has been telling me for months about this restaurant, called Pepinos, where they have a "hamburger" called the Doble Miedo. As y'all know, I can eat, so he challenged me to finish it. I am ashamed to say, I couldn't do it (or maybe I would have been more ashamed if I had finished it... I am not sure). In between 3 different buns were sandwiched 2 hamburger patties, pulled beef, french fries, ham, bacon, pickles, lettuce, and I don't even remember what else. I used like 27 napkins.
Jóse showed me the central plaza, and I totally fell in love with the city. There are a ton of sculptures in the main park, and a lot of really cool art. I still get surprised about how much variety there is in Costa Rica- Barva seems like a different country from Santa Rosa. The city is famous for its fiestas, where they make really crazy masqueradas (traditional masks). Every trash can has a clown scultpure/mask on the top; kind of creepy, but I liked it.
Last night, I met up with my friend Jóse (the tech guy at Habitat) to go to dinner in Barva, where he lives. He has been telling me for months about this restaurant, called Pepinos, where they have a "hamburger" called the Doble Miedo. As y'all know, I can eat, so he challenged me to finish it. I am ashamed to say, I couldn't do it (or maybe I would have been more ashamed if I had finished it... I am not sure). In between 3 different buns were sandwiched 2 hamburger patties, pulled beef, french fries, ham, bacon, pickles, lettuce, and I don't even remember what else. I used like 27 napkins.
Jóse showed me the central plaza, and I totally fell in love with the city. There are a ton of sculptures in the main park, and a lot of really cool art. I still get surprised about how much variety there is in Costa Rica- Barva seems like a different country from Santa Rosa. The city is famous for its fiestas, where they make really crazy masqueradas (traditional masks). Every trash can has a clown scultpure/mask on the top; kind of creepy, but I liked it.
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